lanterns fireworks and kids in balloons : auckland city
This post kicks off my new project ‘Auckland Central‘ and includes photographs taken a few days ago at the Chinese New Year Lantern Festival in central Auckland. The event has grown year by year to a point where not many more people could fit into the space of Albert Park and the adjoining food area [...]
rangitoto island : the heart of aucklands hauraki gulf
If a physical feature was to be omitted from Auckland’s Hauraki Gulf, I think it may be Rangitoto Island that would be missed the most. This beautifully symmetrical landmark is visible from all directions, and along with the Sky Tower, I think Rangitoto is the most tangible symbol of arriving home. This must be the [...]
people in windows : RWC 2011 auckland new zealand
It all seems so long ago. Of course if we had lost, instead of scraping home, the post mortem and mourning would be continuing. Now we have that satisfied acceptance of, - job done – move on. Also, reality has rapidly re-imposed itself in the form of an election and the impending consequences that inevitably [...]
les bleus supporters : french colour french style
During the Rugby World Cup I had fun with street portraits – particularly of French supporters. They were easy going, good natured, and colourful. New Zealand’s ever present black clothing, of which I am as guilty as anyone, became dull and oppressive, – making the simple purity of French colour all the more refreshing. These [...]
auckland harbour bridge : with alien spacecraft
These Auckland Harbour Bridge photographs and the slide show images above have just been added to Hauraki Gulf Structures. While not the prettiest bridge in the world it is nevertheless an important Auckland icon, a symbol of home to Aucklander’s. What many Aucklander’s will not have seen is the beautiful and intriguing Bungy Pod structure, [...]
all black parade RWC : auckland street photography
I don’t think anyone anticipated a final score like 8 – 7. As feared, the French magically lifted their game, while Piri had an off day. Even so, now we have the cup, the hex is healed, – for a while. We must learn more about the French psychology of lifting your game when it [...]
les bleus : new zealand’s nightmare? RWC 2011
Fingers crossed, today is the day! I’m not as brazenly confident of winning as many others are. French flair on a good day and us on a bad day, anything could happen? We’ve experienced certainty, then failure against the French, too many times. I’m about to head downtown to photograph street scenes preceeding the 2011 [...]
maori waka and traditional dress : RWC 2011 auckland
Part of the Rugby World Cup opening ceremony involved a large flotilla of Maori waka (canoes), the most authentic display I have ever witnessed. Amongst the huge crowd, I found myself in an good position for photographing this procession, despite a woman continuously clapping in front of my lens. I didn’t have the heart to [...]
photographs of auckland : rugby world cup 2011
I headed into the city early afternoon for the Rugby World Cup 2011 opening celebrations. There were big crowds, happy people, and a great atmosphere. I wandered freely until dusk, when I found myself unable to move, crushed shoulder to shoulder, in front of one of the outdoor television screens. The three people shown here [...]
cloud formation : queens wharf RWC
Today ‘The Cloud’ was officially opened, a week ahead of the Rugby World Cup 2011. The images and slideshow above were photographed from my boat over the last five or so months. Photographing the Hauraki Gulf has largely been on hold due to my recently tearing a knee cartilage. Two days ago, this was operated [...]
auckland icons : photographed from a boat
Auckland’s prime icons are probably the Sky Tower, Auckland Harbour Bridge, Rangitoto Island, and One Tree Hill. The first three ‘icons’ feature within my current Hauraki Gulf project. The fourth, One Tree Hill, was part of my first project and book, IMAGES Cornwall Park One Tree Hill. This book can be purchased via the home [...]
auckland fine art photography : queens wharf RWC
In less than 4 weeks, the 2011 Rugby World Cup event commences here in Auckland, New Zealand. In the past, rugby attained an an almost religious status in this country, with New Zealand’s mental health too dependant on the success of the All Blacks. This brilliant Youtube item perfectly illustrates the psychological state of mainstream [...]
